FIFA disciplinary cases into Hungary, Albania crowd unrest

Posted October 13, 2021 7:00 am

By ROB HARRIS

Hungary fans clash with police officers in the stands during the World Cup group I Qualifying soccer match between England and Hungary at Wembley Stadium, London, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Hungary supporters have clashed with police during the start of a World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley Stadium. Disorder by Hungary fans - including racism - during the home match against England in Budapest last month led to Hungary having to play Saturday's game against Albania in an empty stadium. (Nick Potts/PA via AP) The Associated Press

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings on Wednesday against the Hungarian, English, Albanian and Polish football federations after condemning disorder involving Hungary and Albania fans in separate World Cup qualifiers.

Hungary is facing a fresh FIFA punishment after its supporters fought with police in the stands at Wembley Stadium just after kickoff against England on Tuesday as officers sought to arrest a spectator on suspicion of racially abusing a steward.

A case was also opened into the English Football Association as organizer of the game, which ended 1-1 in London.

Polish fans in London may also have been involved in the disorder. Polish flags were on display in the Hungary sector and some in the crowd which pushed back against police wore clothes with the insignia of Polish clubs.

Poland's own game in Tirana in Group I was suspended for around 20 minutes. Karol Åšwiderski had just scored for Poland in the 77th minute when he was apparently struck by a bottle thrown from the Albania fans. Poland's players walked off but returned to the field and held on to win 1-0.

Both the Albanian and Polish federations will face sanctions over the incidents.

'œFollowing an analysis of the match reports, FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings in relation to yesterday's England v. Hungary and Albania v. Poland FIFA World Cup qualifier matches," world football's governing body said in a statement.

Disorder by Hungary fans - including racism - during the home match against England in Budapest last month led to Hungary having to play Saturday's game against Albania in an empty stadium.

FIFA put Hungary on probation with the threat of another game being played without fans if there was further disorder at games.

'œFIFA strongly condemns the incidents at both matches and would like to state that its position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of violence as well as any form of discrimination or abuse," FIFA said. "FIFA has a very clear zero-tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football.'ť

The English FA is already facing UEFA action over crowd unrest at the national team's European Championship final loss to Italy at Wembley in July.

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A Polish fan throws a bottle to Albanian supporters during the World Cup 2022 group I qualifying soccer match between Albania and Poland at Air Albania stadium in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Poland won 1-0. (AP Photo/Franc Zhurda) The Associated Press

Poland's Karol Swiderski, left, holds his head as fans threw an item shortly after scoring the opening goal of his team during the World Cup 2022 group I qualifying soccer match between Albania and Poland at Air Albania stadium in Tirana, Albania, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Franc Zhurda) The Associated Press

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